Walking into a drugstore to replenish medications, pain relief creams, or other essential health and wellness items likely does not prompt thoughts about the social implications of the products lining the shelves.
This is mainly because, unlike scrolling through Instagram ads that promote items made from sustainable resources or clothing labels that commit to supporting underprivileged communities, a visit to the drugstore is usually a quick task. However, this doesn’t mean that the staples you find in drugstores aren’t contributing positively behind the scenes. If you wish to support brands that prioritize social responsibility regardless of the aisle, just keep an eye out for the B Corp certified logo.
Consider Sanofi Consumer Healthcare North America (Sanofi CHC), the producers of well-known brands found in drugstores nationwide—like Allegra®, Xyzal®, Dulcolax®, Cortizone-10®, IcyHot®, and Aspercreme®. The narrative behind these familiar brands showcases a community-focused approach that is positioning business as a force for positive change.
This year, Sanofi CHC achieved a B Corp certification—a prestigious and challenging designation that a business can earn, making it the first large consumer healthcare company to fulfill such high standards regarding social and environmental impacts.
“B Corporations, or B Corps, stand at the forefront of the global initiative for a fair and sustainable future,” states Andrew Loucks, the head of Sanofi Consumer Healthcare North America. “The demanding certification process involves an evaluation by B Lab, a nonprofit organization that assesses companies to ensure they uphold high levels of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.”
As part of its ongoing promise to sustainability, Sanofi CHC is committed to eliminating 35 tons of plastic packaging annually, minimizing operational greenhouse gas emissions in pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2030, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2045, and ensuring that all North American distribution and manufacturing facilities operate on 100 percent renewable energy, Loucks explained.
On the social contribution front, Sanofi CHC is actively participating in Comebaq Courts, an Icy Hot initiative that refurbishes basketball courts in underprivileged communities, and supports KidSports Canada, which helps provide organized sports opportunities for young Canadians facing socio-economic challenges, Loucks added.
It’s important to note that B Corp certifications require ongoing commitment; Sanofi CHC will need to update its B Impact Assessment (BIA) every three years and verify its updated B Impact score to ensure the company continues its positive efforts.
So, how does this relate to your next drugstore shopping trip? Simply put, you can support Sanofi CHC in fostering a healthier future by choosing these six products instead of opting for generic alternatives during your next purchase.
Pick up these popular non-drowsy allergy relief tablets during your next health episode, and enjoy the added benefit knowing Sanofi CHC has eliminated the plastic window from Allegra® packaging as part of their initiative to reduce plastic waste.
Xyzal® is another effective allergy remedy where Sanofi CHC has removed plastic from the packaging, ensuring that it is completely recyclable. Take this before bedtime for relief that lasts throughout the day.
Prepare with Dulcolax® before the holiday season begins to manage those heavier meals—it’s a top laxative brand relied upon for a reason.
Incorporating Icy Hot®️ pain relief cream into your exercise routine—with its unique combination of cooling effects to mask discomfort and warming properties to soothe strained muscles and joints—is always beneficial. This product also supports the Comebaq Court initiative, a collaboration between Icy Hot®️ and the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, which as of 2021 had built or refurbished over 70 basketball courts, positively affecting the lives of more than 20,000 young individuals.
According to Loucks, Sanofi CHC encourages individuals to prioritize self-care for both themselves and their communities. Aspercreme®️ offers speedy relief for joint discomfort, whether from arthritis or muscle strains. Experiencing a sense of empowerment and finding relief from your ailments can truly elevate your self-care routine.
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